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Step 18Running the Turbine Tank
You're done!
Here is a quick break down of how to run the turbine tank. It's quite simple as compared to steam piston engines.... there is no oil needed, so no mess dealing with oily steam exhaust, steam oilers, condensers and such. The steam comes through the turbine clean, and the exhaust is just water.
1) Add water to the boiler. Use a small funnel (usually supplied with these boilers) and add distilled water. The reason for using distilled water over tap or spring water, is that it won't cloud up the sight glass, or leave minerals that may clog up your boiler and pipes. You can purchase distilled water in most super markets that carries spring water, and cost the same as regular spring water. Add the water slowly and fill it until it reaches to the top of the sight glass. Don't over fill the boiler, you need some space for the steam to build up :)
2) Using a lighter, place the flame right on the opening of the stack. Slowly turn on the gas, less than a 1/4 turn, and you will see the fire from the lighter get "sucked" in to the stack. You can now adjust the gas valve to desired heat. You will hear the sound like a small roar when it is lit. If it goes out, it sounds like a leak - something like a leaking basketball or tire. The fire will not be visible, but you can feel the heat with your hands several inches over the top of the stack. Once it's fired, you have to wait for the water to boil, which should take around 5-10 minutes. Make sure that the steam valve is closed while it is building up pressure.
3) While waiting for the water to boil, turn on the radio transmitter first, than your receiver. Check to make sure that servos are working.
4) Once the pressure gauge reaches about 20-30 psi, it's time to run the tank! Open the valve to let the steam power the turbine, you will hear a sweet spin up sound, as the turbine powers up. The pitch changes as the turbine's RPM changes. Let it spin up and control the clutch to go forward. Check to make sure that you can go forward, back, and turns in both directions. IF there are any issues, turn off the gas first, let the steam vent totally out, and the boiler and pipes cool down, before attempting to check out the issue. I recommend wearing gloves when turning on/off the steam valve, as over time it will become hot enough to cause blisters to your fingers.
5) Once again, do not temper with the safety valve! Also make sure that you don't run the boiler dry! At full burner, this particular boiler will use up all of the water within about 10 minutes. Watch the sight glass and turn off the gas, before the water line drops below visibility on the sight glass. If you burn it dry, you risk destroying the boiler!
5) Have fun and be safe... it's really fun to drive around, and a great climber, but don't tip it! Remember you have pressurized steam, not to mention a contained fire, strong enough to boil water very quickly.
6) Be prepared for an excuse, when your neighbors asks you if you've been practicing dentistry from your garage.
Here is a quick break down of how to run the turbine tank. It's quite simple as compared to steam piston engines.... there is no oil needed, so no mess dealing with oily steam exhaust, steam oilers, condensers and such. The steam comes through the turbine clean, and the exhaust is just water.
1) Add water to the boiler. Use a small funnel (usually supplied with these boilers) and add distilled water. The reason for using distilled water over tap or spring water, is that it won't cloud up the sight glass, or leave minerals that may clog up your boiler and pipes. You can purchase distilled water in most super markets that carries spring water, and cost the same as regular spring water. Add the water slowly and fill it until it reaches to the top of the sight glass. Don't over fill the boiler, you need some space for the steam to build up :)
2) Using a lighter, place the flame right on the opening of the stack. Slowly turn on the gas, less than a 1/4 turn, and you will see the fire from the lighter get "sucked" in to the stack. You can now adjust the gas valve to desired heat. You will hear the sound like a small roar when it is lit. If it goes out, it sounds like a leak - something like a leaking basketball or tire. The fire will not be visible, but you can feel the heat with your hands several inches over the top of the stack. Once it's fired, you have to wait for the water to boil, which should take around 5-10 minutes. Make sure that the steam valve is closed while it is building up pressure.
3) While waiting for the water to boil, turn on the radio transmitter first, than your receiver. Check to make sure that servos are working.
4) Once the pressure gauge reaches about 20-30 psi, it's time to run the tank! Open the valve to let the steam power the turbine, you will hear a sweet spin up sound, as the turbine powers up. The pitch changes as the turbine's RPM changes. Let it spin up and control the clutch to go forward. Check to make sure that you can go forward, back, and turns in both directions. IF there are any issues, turn off the gas first, let the steam vent totally out, and the boiler and pipes cool down, before attempting to check out the issue. I recommend wearing gloves when turning on/off the steam valve, as over time it will become hot enough to cause blisters to your fingers.
5) Once again, do not temper with the safety valve! Also make sure that you don't run the boiler dry! At full burner, this particular boiler will use up all of the water within about 10 minutes. Watch the sight glass and turn off the gas, before the water line drops below visibility on the sight glass. If you burn it dry, you risk destroying the boiler!
5) Have fun and be safe... it's really fun to drive around, and a great climber, but don't tip it! Remember you have pressurized steam, not to mention a contained fire, strong enough to boil water very quickly.
6) Be prepared for an excuse, when your neighbors asks you if you've been practicing dentistry from your garage.
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